H.S. SOCCER: Madison scores late for city win
Madison Academic and University School of Jackson have had some classic battles on the soccer field in recent years, and Tuesday night's match was no different.
Madison's striker Mouhamed Elsebae took a pass from Adam Joyner and put the ball in the back of the net from 15 yards out to give the Mustangs a lead with just five minutes left in the match. The Mustang defense held strong for the remainder, and Madison (3-4) came away with a hard fought 2-1 win.
"When I saw the ball come to me from Adam [Joyner], I knew I had to finish this one and score," said Elsebae about the game-winning goal. "Beating USJ who is always one of the better teams in Jackson is a big win for us."
After playing most of the first 30 minutes with few scoring chances for either team, the Bruins' defense, under pressure from the Mustangs, gave up an own goal.
Madison took the 1-0 lead at halftime.
USJ came out in the second half and put the Mustang defense under heavy pressure right from the whistle.
Bruins defender Will Rickman put a ball over the top to Bruin striker Charles Campbell, who slipped the ball under Mustang keeper Jon Wichlan to tie the match 1-1 in the 42nd minute.
Bruin Matt McGee hit the cross bar with a shot from 30 yards out in the 51st minute, and then Madison's Wichlan made a diving save on a shot from Jack Edwards a minute later.
"Jon [Wichlan] made a great save on that shot," said Madison coach Jacob Long. "He has played really good in the goal for us this year. He is not a team captain, but he is a leader on this team."
It was after the save the Mustangs recharged their offense and took the momentum back from the Bruins. Madison created several scoring opportunities in the second half but seemed unable to get that finishing touch and score until Elsebae's game winner.
"That was our best team performance of the season. Everyone played hard and together tonight," Long said. "This win should pick us up and put our season on the front foot going forward."